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Friday, 18 December 2015

Being a part of the Community

Now the fact is, 30% of the population are NOT untrustworthy its just that we don't know who our neighbors are so we feel we can't trust them!!!!

I don't know if it is because I come from the Aussie bush where houses are few and far between and kangaroos are a plenty, but I am very much into creating my own village of support.

Growing up, we had to make an effort to have any type of social life. The nearest community hall was 20 kms away and the nearest town was 80 kms away, so when we socialised, we made sure it was worth it!

I also learn't that when there is not much choice with whom you can socialise with, you adaptd to what there is, and become more tolerant of others and their differences.

Being so isolated, we needed to lean on each other in times of crisis or illness or hardship.This was very strong in times of droughts. We were all in the same predicament and we needed to really work with each other for the sake of keeping our community strong.It is very easy at times of hardship, illness, tragedy or disability to isolate and get it in our heads that this is OUR lot in life and we can't burden anyone else. We just have to put our heads down and get on with what we have been dealt.Now whilst I agree, we can only work with what we have been dealt, I have learn't there are 2 ways to achieve this: 1) the very hard way 2) the less hard way.Yes, I am not going to say there is an easy way because many a time that is not really an option BUT we can do it much easier when we become a part of a community that looks out for us.From when I first moved into our nearest town and then onto the very big smoke (Melbourne), I have always made the effort to not just introduce myself to ALL my neighbours, but to develop a relationship with them. I have very been in the same social circles, but have always stopped for a chat, given them Chrissy cards, invited them to BBQs...you get the picture.I am so grateful this was the norm for me when I had Chloe. I was sooo overwhelmed with everything in those first months, I didn't have an ounce left to give to making new connections. It didn't matter because the connections were already in place and I was supported in my local environments.

We have moved twice since then and each time, I have made it a point to get to know ALL my neighbours, shop locally and involve ourselves in our local environment with our recreation.

This has produced the most amazing results for us. Chloe has become an entrenched part of this environment and they all just see Chloe NOT "Chloe - the disabled one".

AND I have received bucket loads of free support from people and businesses who care about us as people. I know this isn't just luck, as both moves have been into very different areas, with one of them living on a very busy main road.

It works, because I make it work and although there is a bit of extra effort in the beginning, once everything is in place, the rewards are substantial!!!

iDareU will be having workshops starting in Feb in Melbourne to teach people how to create their own villages and maintain them. If you are interested in making your lives more enjoyable and getting the added benefit of free support, come along and learn how!!